These are extras worth having, and bespeak the beauty of this more-than-a-port. The slowdown present in the original game is gone, there's no loading time at all, you’ve got more modes and more game…it’s a good time to be an SNK fan. There’s so much feeling to it, and the fantasy of exploration is very inspiring. The score matches this epic theme, being the most serious ever for the series. Well perhaps not serious, but…fitting. Nothing feels out of place here. Not even an elephant shooting a fireball. The one small trouble is the interlaced graphics, which are resized from the MVS resolution. It’s not overly noticeable, but there’s a bit of a ‘shimmer’ to some static scenes. It’s not enough to influence your appreciation of the game, particularly. It’s otherwise a fantastic revision of an already fantastic game.

Metal Slug 3 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it does manage to take everything you loved about the first two games and up the ante. This is a fun shooter that deserves to be played, even if this is not your first time playing a Metal Slug game.

Metal Slug 3 is a breathe of fresh air next to all the first-person shooters and gangster games out there. Old school gamers will relish every moment of it, and other players may wonder why there aren't more titles like this for Xbox.

Metal Slug 3 doesn't really change that much from the previous games, but there're lots and lots of interesting smaller scale additions that come together to make an almost a perfect game; it's quite easily the best game in the Metal Slug series. It goes without saying that if you're even the slightest bit of a fan of action games, this is a must buy. You won't regret it!

It's initially tempting to reduce the score slightly for the sake of the credit system, but without a coin-box add-on to the Xbox controller it's difficult to see quite how else SNK might address this inherent flaw in arcade-to-home console conversions. Although the Achievements have been actively linked to scores gathered within a certain number of credits, it's really a matter of self-discipline for the gamer to ensure Metal Slug 3 is played "properly". That said, a few extra credits at your discretion are no bad thing when you want to sample the delights that latter levels might bring, so in this case I'm happy to agree with SNK's decision to leave credit allocation to the prudence of the punter.

Multiple 20-point Gamerscore achievements, a 25-point prize and a 40-point whopper are all…er, achievable in Metal Slug 3. Chances to pick up this many Gamerscore points in a single XBLA game don’t come along that often, so get them while the getting is good. Most of these are doable, too, and only one of Metal Slug 3’s achievements is a bore (the one that doesn’t allow use of power-ups).

Overall, Metal Slug 3 is a simple side-scrolling shooter with big aspirations for greatness. In a time of full immersion game like Halo and Chronicles of Riddick, it is difficult for a simple 2D game like this to make even a ripple in the massive ocean that is the world of gaming, but you have to give them credit for trying. Yes, it is short and not very complicated, but MS3 will present a difficult little game that will make you want to come back for more. So to the fine people of SNK Neo Geo, I say congratulations and good job on putting together a challenging and fun game that you can taken out in the span of a rainy day. I highly encourage all of you to give this simple game a chance and don’t let it fly under the radar like so many other great games that looked small to bother with.

The Metal Slug series has always been a favorite of mine and I was ecstatic that it's finally out on home consoles. What's better, Metal Slug 3 is arguably one of the best in the series so it is a great place to start if you love 2D shooters but haven't been down to your local arcade lately. Old School gamers will dig Metal Slug 3 - even with its questionable Continue system. Those with an aversion to really hard games might want to either steer clear of this one or rent it first.

Metal Slug 3 is a throw back to good old 2D side scrolling action. I’ve played Metal Slug and Metal Slug 2 and by far Metal Slug 3 is the best game of the series so far. The one bad thing is that it would have been nice to hook up with someone online to help you out. The silly vehicles bring a lot of variety to the game play, because each slug has its own unique set of controls, but the real drawback of Metal Slug 3 is with a single shot you can die (wait that’s just like real life). The multiple paths you can take during the game make Metal Slug 3's replay value very high as well. I think it’s great to see an old-school game on a next generation console and it is long overdue. Just because you can do 3D doesn’t mean the game will be better, it just means it will be 3D which can be worst sometimes. Metal Slug 3 has earned a place in my collection for good.

If war is hell, what is Metal Slug 3? I've played through countless war games and not a single one of them can compare to the hellish experience I just had. Never in my life have I felt so helpless. Never have I felt like the game could be conquered if only I were perfect. Metal Slug 3 does what no other game has: it drives you nuts and makes you want to scream, but it does it in a way that keeps your mind from thinking, "This is cheap, I quit!"

Metal Slug is not a deep or complicated game. Instead, Metal Slug 3 concentrates on delivering the kind of thrills that you only seem to be able to get from arcade blasters. Trying to avoid bullets which seem to have a vector on every area of the screen; desperately praying that your heavy machinegun doesn't run out of ammo before you've taken out the submarine or you laser doesn't run dry before you cut apart the last wave of flying saucers; hopping around, letting off grenades and bullets like fireworks at the birth of the universe while avoiding any peril that will rob you of the last drops of your health bar, these are the kind of experiences that define Metal Slug 3. And unlike many of the more sensually stunning and mentally involving games that are the norm these days, Metal Slug 3 is likely to slither back into the DVD drive every once in a while. It's a great way to let off some steam while revelling in the power of pure, unbridled gameplay.

Ignition should be thanked for
bringing SNK’s classy back
catalogue to the PlayStation 2
and Xbox. After all, it’s not like
you can pop down the local
arcade and play the games there
is it? For just £20 there’s
absolutely no reason not to add this to your collection, and it’ll
make part of an explosive set
when the fourth and fifth games in
the series are released next year.

Ignition should be thanked for
bringing SNK’s classy back
catalogue to the PlayStation 2
and Xbox. After all, it’s not like
you can pop down the local
arcade and play the games there
is it? For just £20 there’s
absolutely no reason not to add this to your collection, and it’ll
make part of an explosive set
when the fourth and fifth games in
the series are released next year.

The Metal Slug series has always remained a fun game to play. The gameplay of this action packed 2D side-scroller has only been matched by Contra. Unlike Contra, though, I think Metal Slug will remain in a 2D format. Metal Slug 3 should surely please gamers, but its insane difficulty will likely frustrate everyone who plays it. The Xbox Live feature seems like an afterthought, but the graphics and sound represent the evergreen glory of 2D gaming. The Xbox version has two exclusive modes of play that are unlocked after you beat the game, but they're only minor enhancements. With all this said, I think the $40 dollar price tag is a little steep. If you're patient, then wait for a price drop before you grab hold of this game. Either way, Metal Slug 3 is a fun title and anyone who plays it will appreciate the classic 2D gameplay. However, the difficulty of the later levels will turn some gamers away; especially considering the weak continue system.

Along with a deceptively steep learning curve, the proceedings are padded nicely by exclusive content in the form of two brand-new levels. More importantly, Playmore has done a wonderful job of balancing the series' penchant for quarter-munching with a continue system allowing you to slowly unlock the rest of the game as a reward for true mastery. Herein lies the true art of war, done very well, thank you.

This is not a game for the faint of heart; you may throw your controller at the television screen, but this game is a classic, and it was bound to find its way on the XBLA collection list, next to games such as Sonic 2, Golden Axe & Bomberman. I recommend this game for any arcade loving fan, and anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the Metal Slug universe and is brave enough to tough it out. But 800 points is a little steep, even for a title like this.

It’s strange that we’re dealing with the rare, single-release week on Live Arcade, but when that single game is as good as Metal Slug 3, it makes the blow a little easier to take. If you’ve never heard of this series, but enjoy classic stuff like Contra and its ilk, MS3 is made for you.

For a series that initially only reached arcade and Neo Geo gamers, the Metal Slug games have a pretty strong following. After playing Metal Slug 3, it isn't difficult to see why. Just by integrating multiple vehicles and a little humor to the standard side-scrolling formula, it sets the bar for arcade shooters in terms of action, variety, and pure frenetic fun.

To suggest that Nexus will have anywhere near the impact on the genre that Homeworld 2 achieved would be wide of the mark, but - all things considered - Nexus deserves success in its own right, because it is a well-rounded and polished product. Nexus is different enough to stand out from the (relatively small) crowd, and is a suitably dramatic space-opera RTS with a luscious graphical engine, 'just one more mission' appeal, and provides a challenge for new and seasoned players alike. If space strategy is your 'thing', and you don't mind the concept of micro-management of your ships, then you owe it to yourself to get this game.

Metal Slug 3 is one of the funniest and most amusingly violent comic capers you can imagine. Simple yet harmless fun, and demanding a lot of thought and planning by the gamer – as well as fast reflexes - it is one of the late SNK’s finest hours. More fun than a barrel of Pampers-wearing, Uzi-toting monkeys.

Metal Slug 3 is a fun little game and it will provide you with several hours of enjoyment thanks to the quirky action. If you blaze through the first four missions and feel like you are getting ripped off, keep playing - the final mission is quite long. If you're a SNK NeoGeo fan, go purchase this right now since you'll enjoy the visual fidelity and bragging rights that come with Xbox Live. Even if you aren't a fan, playing Metal Slug 3 will remind you of the days where gaming wasn't all about having the best graphics engine.

Played as it should be, with minimum lives and maximum difficulty, Metal Slug can provide jaded gamers with a sublime and simple gaming experience. Unapologetically tough, Metal Slug will remind players of a time when all games set this frustrating a challenge.

SNK is famous for their prowess with 2-D, in both the fighting and side-scrolling realm. They have it down to an art - if you can call vomiting zombies and ostriches with rockets mounted to them art. Call it old school. Call it classic gameplay. In the end, it’s just damn fun.

The third dimension has brought all sorts of new and exciting things to the world of videogaming. Without it there would have never been memorable titles like Halo, Ocarina of Time or Superman 64 (for us to laugh at), but, despite all that, there is just something incredibly satisfying about a great 2D shooter. Metal Slug 3 may be a few years old and minus a dimension, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best action games currently on the Xbox. On a side note, I hear SNK is also bringing Metal Slugs 4 & 5 to the Xbox. To that I simply say, bring on them Slugs!

So where does that leave us with Metal Slug 3? It's a tough game to be sure. There are infinite continues to help you get to the end but that just feels like - well, it is - cheating. It also lacks longevity. The bonus levels, the multiple routes, Online score board and playing with a mate all add to the fun but it isn't exactly going to last until the devil snowboards through the underworld. But look, beyond all this, try to remember a time when plot and dialog did not play a part in nearly every title on the shelves, and you'll see it's a good game. In fact, it's a very good game. It may occasionally feel like a one trick pony but it's a pretty special trick and since Konami sent Contra to the glue factory there aren't too many old nags around these days who can do it at all, let alone as well as this.

In the end though you’ll be missing out on something special if you judge this game solely by the graphics on the back of the Metal Gear Solid 3 Box. Never before has a title demonstrated quite so elegantly that next generation graphics will always come second to gameplay in the hunt for that perfect game. Pop this game into your Xbox and we dare you not to be hooked, that’s if you’re not already blinded into thinking a game plays only as good as it looks.

Just 'cause they might shoot you in the back in Counter-Strike doesn't mean that gamers aren't loyal. After years of near-shutdowns, SNK's fans are still going strong, and with good reason. When Sony (allegedly) refused to allow Metal Slug 3 through its (highly political, quality-agnostic) content approval process, SNK fans were apoplectic with message board rage. Surprisingly, Microsoft came to the rescue, quickly greenlighting a game which many assumed would never see the light of day in the United States.

Metal Slug 3 is a great game if you're huge fan of this arcade series, or if you are just a fan of 2D side-scrolling shooters like Contra. There is no shortage of action here for one or two players, and the well drawn graphics and heart-pounding music are both amazing as well. Unfortunately, the game is so ridiculously difficult that if you are a casual gamer you'll be turned off in a hurry. SNK Playmore should have done more to make the controls more accessible to the general audience -- possibly by adding simple things like Rapid fire or fixed firepower while riding the Slugs. Metal Slug 3 takes a lot of effort to master, but there is much interesting and rare 2D game play here that it at least deserves a shot.

The game managed to remain appealing on the arcade and should satisfy those who enjoy Metal Slug games. You'll get to play this one with a push of a button without even having to stand up and pop in the disc. However, it's still $10, which might be steep for some. They should have probably made it cheaper, taking into consideration all the new games joining the XBL Arcade library with much more in-depth gameplay and next-gen graphics. In conclusion, if you don't mind the price and like old-school side-scrolling shooters, you'll have a blast!

Metal Slug 3 is definitely entertaining, and it’s a must-rent for anyone who has a hankering for arcade action before Arcade Treasures 2 and Xbox Live Arcade ship later this year. But is it worth the full purchase price? Let’s put it this way: how many arcade stand-ups did you buy and take home with you? Metal Slug 3 is one of those games you’ll think fondly of for years to come, but it’s probably one of those titles, like the coin-op arcade classics, that you’d just as soon remember fondly than have at home collecting dust for years to come. It’s a solid title, to be sure, but probably best suited as a rental for all but the most hardcore arcade fanatics.

I thought R-Type Final was going to be the shooter to beat this year, but it looks like Metal Slug 3 is now the reigning champ for 2004. Gradius V and a few others still have a chance to defeat it, but I don’t think it’ll happen. If you’re looking for an exceptionally fun game that is tough as nails, and yet can be played in 2 hours or less, this is the game for you.

Metal Slug 3 is a solid old school shooter, with some new school innovations (online Co-Op) It is well worth the 800 points just to blast around for a little while when you aren’t playing CoD4 or Halo 3. Also for those that might be afraid they can’t beat the game with the 3 continues they give you by default, there is an option to play with unlimited continues so you can just beat the game without care of dying. For all those achievement whores, out there you will be glad to know that you can still receive achievements using this option. So if you haven’t figured it out yet, go and buy this one.

Ultimately, the things that might prevent you from enjoying Metal Slug 3, such as the number of times it's been released on other systems, its relative price point, and the lack of extras, are peripheral to the experience itself. If these things don't concern you, then you'll have a blast.

Metal Slug 3 is a classic action game that will stand the test of time. Its placement on a next gen console is a complete contrast to what game libraries are made up of today. Its instant pick-up-and-play nature and non-stop action make it a worthy addition to anyone's Xbox library. Just be prepared for a fight.

But the downsides may be too much for some Xbox owners to bear. First, MS3 has been in the arcade for about four years. However optimized it is (no slow down!) is it worth the $40US price tag, with a minimum of additions? Only you can really answer that one. Definitely a rental.

From a technical standpoint, this is a superb version of Metal Slug 3, and in some respects, it's even better than the original. In 2004, it's kind of odd to see a 2D video game that's not being presented on some sort of portable device. While most have traded in their hand-animated sprites and parallax-scrolling environments for rag-doll physics and pixel shaders, SNK has remained a diligent practitioner of 2D gaming and has continued to cultivate a passionate following for it.

Metal Slug 3 is a run 'n' gun fan's dream. Although this latest release is not the definitive version, it's still worth playing through once or twice if you're a fan of the genre and don't already own a previous port.

Before you purchase Metal Slug 3, you need to ask yourself how much you value ten dollars. This is a short experience that, even with a few playthroughs, won't last you long. The exclusion of the two bonus modes from the original Xbox version is certainly a bummer and would have added a few more hours of playtime. Metal Slug 3 is a lot of fun, but this should be a $5 download. Especially when original, awesome-looking shooters such as Omega Five are storming Xbox Marketplace.

SNK’s games have flourished thanks to a large and devoted cult following; the same people who will more than likely flock to this Xbox version. Of course, at the cheaper price (compared to the hundreds of dollars the Neo*Geo version would run you) perhaps more gamers will see what all the fuss is about. It’s not going to change the way you look at 2D action games, but Metal Slug 3 may be just what you need after all those generic first person shooters and sports games.

I suggest fans of the series to pick this game up, unless they beat the snot out of it a few years back in the arcades. Newcomers to this series should also check it out. A rental is definitely in order, but only those fans that can't get enough Metal Slug should look into a purchase. Right now, $40 is a bit steep for a title like this. When the price reaches $30, this would be a great purchase.

Metal Slug 3 is not a system seller. It’s not a game of the year candidate. It’s not even the best entry from the shooter genre in the Xbox library (that goes to Panzer Dragoon Orta). Metal Slug 3 can essentially be thought of as a gift from SNK to their Xbox owning fans. Not many gamers who weren’t waiting for the Xbox release of Metal Slug 3 ahead of time are likely buy, or even play the game. The game also has the misfortune of releasing in the same timeframe as two games that essentially came out of nowhere for the casual fanbase – those being The Chronicles of Riddick, and Full Spectrum Warrior. Had Metal Slug 3 been the lone release in a slow month, it may have garnered some extra attention, but up against two of the best looking games on Xbox, many are not likely to give the game a second look. That said, Metal Slug 3, at four years old, still remains one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences on the Xbox for those who are up to the challenge it presents.

Metal Slug 3 may seem like a random game to hit XBLA, but that’s ok. The game play is solid, hard yet fun during the right occasion. If you already own this game it might seem foolish to spend another $10 to own the game again. All you really need to know about this game is you may end up throwing a few tantrums during the first few minutes of game play.

If you like old school shooters and don’t mind a bit of 2D repetitive shooting that require God-like reflexes, than Metal Slug 3 will be a blast. Its own artistic flare and simple yet enthralling gameplay will keep you coming back just for one more go. Metal Slug 3 for the Xbox as it stands is the best port of the game to date, despite its disappointing lack of extra content and presently is the best 2D side-scrolling shooting game that you will find for the console with the added bonus of a budget price. Bring on Metal Slug 4/5.

For people who can stick it out, Metal Slug 3 has a bit of replay value for you. Each level has multiple routes to take and two new modes are unlocked upon completion of the final level. It’s even more fun when playing through with a buddy, so it makes a good multiplayer game to have a blast with now and then. It’s certainly not a doddle, as it can take up to a couple days to beat one level on the hardest setting, which certainly makes it last longer. However, it just doesn’t offer enough to warrant the price; unless you’re a hardcore fan of the franchise, old-school games or side-scrollers, just make this one a rental.

Metal Slug is, for all intents and purposes, the ultimate action-shooter. The entire series is pretty much flawless. Though there are some issues here, this is a great introduction to the beloved series and you'll lose almost nothing in the port (and at only a quarter of the price). I see little reason why they couldn't have included some of the other games in the series on this disc (including the most recent 5th sequel) since there has to be plenty of room left. Hopefully, SNK Playmore has even bigger plans for these games and may be released at a later date. Until then, kiddies, prepare for a very harsh history lesson about a time when games were simpler and a whole lot more enjoyable to just about anyone.

Given that playing Metal Slug 3 involves punching a piece of plastic as quickly as possible while 2D space globes swirl on a screen protected by alien squid and what sounds like a camp, Teutonic man wailing, "Rocket lowncher!" at you every four seconds, it's appropriate that a sense of the ridiculous has been honed for the latest in SNK's seminal shooter series. And it all starts with a monkey and a gun.

This is still as much fun as I remember it at the arcades, and unfortunately, I think I'm going to stick to playing it there. The main arcade missions are done before you know it, and the lousy continue system doesn't help matters that much more either. As I mentioned already, the extra missions are fun for a little while, but won't hold your attention for all that long. In my view, it would have made more sense if SNK bundled two or three of the MS games in one package instead of just one. In the end, Metal Slug 3 is still the classic 2D action game we all know and love, but a rental at the very most will allow you to get the most out of this console release.

Only a few years ago, console and arcade games were comparable graphically. In fact, it wasn't until the Dreamcast and the amazing Soul Calibur that console games began surpassing the quality offered in an arcade cabinet. Over the past couple of years, we've entered a gaming era where developers feel they must make use of every button on the controller and offer gameplay gimmicks to sell their products. Most Xbox games are the antithesis of the arcade classics, so seeing a good old fashioned shooter come to the 'box is a delight.

One Xbox specific feature is the inclusion of a stats tracker through Xbox Live, although there is no online multiplayer option. Two players can play on the same machine, of course. Overall, if you like this series and this genre, Metal Slug 3 is a fine example. It’s often insanely hard, and just as insanely priced. So spread some salt over this slug until SNK wises up and offers it for a more reasonable fee.

I'm conflicted: On one hand Metal Slug 3 is the best in the series. However, it's also exactly the same as the three Metal Slugs that preceded it. Fans of the series are still getting a great game, but it's hard not to be disappointed with the lack of innovation found in the Metal Slug franchise!

Despite the wealth of technological advances we enjoy in every facet of our lives, it’s incredibly hip to be retro. Take, for example, cars. Modern automobiles are decked out with tons of fancy features, from GPS hookups to DVD players built into the dash, yet the chasse designs recall vehicular classics just witness the Beetle, PT Cruiser or the Mini Cooper for a trip down memory lane.

I’d suggest renting this game if you are a fan of the series, or like insanely difficult platform shooters with lots of style and substance, but if you want a fun pick-up game for you and your friends, you may want to look elsewhere.